TLH: embarrasment about operation

Hi Amila

I wanted to drop in to share my experience regarding one particular comment.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by amila I have adenocarcenoma in situ even though I have been married for 13 years and never strayed but I think that is part of the embarassment.

Are you thinking here about cancers caused by the human pappilloma virus (HPV)? If so, know that you are not alone. I was also embarrassed and confused when I was told I was HPV-positive. After twenty years of a monagamous relationship, I didn't know how it was possible.

Here are some things I learned that helped me feel better:

• 80% of the population has had HPV. In most people, the immune system responds to the virus and they never know they've had it. In some people, though, it can cause genital warts or certain kinds of cancers.
• HPV can sit dormant for a long, long time. I went more than 20 years not knowing that I had it. At the time of my biopsy, my doctor said that she saw some markers of old HPV on my cervical tissue. Having an HPV-related cancer now says absolutely nothing about your marriage or about your past.
• Most important for you, not all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. People can think what they want, but they don't really know.

It's important to have as much support as you can as you face this surgery. I hope your friends are able to encourage you and provide some assistance. Meanwhile, we're all here for you

amila...when i found out about my surgery i had to tell some of the people i worked with as well as go to church with because of various reasons...i did find,like yourself,that i was a bit embarassed with some of them,and usually it was with the ones who asked further questions and then wouldnt leave it alone...i was vague as i could be but sometimes there are well meaning people who just dont 'get'it..and with this type now i just say its over,i am fine, we dont need to talk about it anymore...and some of them have been 'friends' for years...something like what you will be going thru and that some of us have gone thru will certainly separate the real friends from the talkers...just please go easy on yourself,you dont have to explain anything you dont want to..i learned that the hard way...hugs and well wishes coming your way...deb

thanks guys. You are all the best. Without this site I couldn't make it. Amila